“Greece aspires to become an integral part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC); to be India’s gateway to the EU’ pointed out the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis speaking at the 2nd CII India Europe Business and Sustainability Conclave, which is being held in New Delhi. Mr. Gerapetritis further explained that “this ambitious connectivity project will enhance the strategic importance of the involved regions, both economically and geopolitically, while promoting peace and stability.”

The Greek foreign minister, who is in India ahead of tomorrow’s official visit by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, welcomed the Congress of the Confederation of Indian Industry with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar immediately after the bilateral meeting that preceded the two foreign ministers.

Mr Gerapetritis praised the Indian foreign minister for his assistance in building the strategic partnership between Greece and India, “which is based on common principles and values: Democracy, Peace, Justice, respect for International Law and an international rule-based order’.

A consequence of this strong relationship is the fact that more than 100 Greek businessmen traveled with the foreign minister to explore the possibilities of cooperation and interaction in the large country of South Asia. India is among the world’s fastest growing major economies and is an extremely important trade and investment partner of the EU, of which Greece is one of the oldest members, the Greek foreign minister noted. In this ever-changing and uncertain era, the role of the India-EU partnership can not only provide unique opportunities and prospects for business, but also be instrumental in promoting stability and prosperity, setting a positive example for global cooperation.

“We are experiencing a unique transitional period. As a member of the BRICS and the country holding the presidency of the G-20 in 2023, India emerged as the voice of the Global South. We need this strong voice in multilateral diplomacy, which is capable of promoting understanding between North and South and offering a sober view from the East to the West,” said Mr Gerapetritis. Interregional cooperation, interconnection, synergies and interaction are capable of making the world safer, more resilient and therefore more peaceful.

Referring to the attractions for Indian entrepreneurs to operate in Europe, the foreign minister cited access to half a billion consumers, well-established infrastructure, stable and mature business environment and highly skilled and educated workforce. Additionally, the fact that the EU is a single market, with no trade barriers between its member states, allows Indian businesses unhindered access to a large customer base.

“There is a popular saying that says ‘wherever Indians go, there is prosperity,'” Mr. Gerapetritis said in closing his greeting, quoting from his Indian counterpart Mr. Jaishankar’s latest book, which describes the aspirations of modern India but also its image in the world: “India is a force to be reckoned with thanks to its ideas and its role as a steam engine of the global economy, as a hub of innovation and Democracy that produces tangible results. India’s economic progress is helping to balance the forces on the international stage and build multipolarity.”